Air Fryer Turkey Legs: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Turkey legs are a fun and versatile dish that can be served at a range of occasions, from a quick weeknight meal to a Thanksgiving gathering. Cooking them in an air fryer is a convenient and healthy way to prepare this dish, resulting in crispy skin on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make delicious air-fried turkey legs, with tips on cooking time, temperature, and seasoning.

Choosing the right turkey legs

Fresh or Thawed Turkey Legs

Go for fresh or fully thawed turkey legs as they will cook more evenly and crisp better in the air fryer. These are typically available in packs of two or three and usually weigh around 10–12 ounces each. However, if you opt for lean turkey legs, which are smaller in size, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Size of Turkey Legs

The size of the turkey legs matters because it directly affects the cooking time. Smaller drumsticks, or lean turkey legs, will have a shorter cooking time compared to larger ones. It's important to ensure that the turkey legs fit properly inside your air fryer basket. Avoid purchasing extremely large drumsticks as they may touch the top of the basket and burn.

Availability and Storage

Turkey drumsticks tend to be more widely available around holidays like Thanksgiving. You can buy them in advance and freeze them for later use. Just remember to thaw frozen drumsticks before cooking. After cooking, leftover turkey legs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-4 days, depending on the recipe.

Brining

Brining, or soaking the turkey legs in a salt solution, is optional. It is commonly done for slow-cooking methods like smoking but is not necessary for air frying since the legs tend to stay juicy. However, if you wish to brine, pat the turkey legs dry before placing them in the air fryer.

Seasoning

The right seasoning blend can take your turkey legs to the next level. While you can purchase a pre-made poultry seasoning mix, creating your own blend allows you to experiment with different flavors. Classic seasonings include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika or smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add a twist with rosemary, thyme, or chili powder. Don't be afraid to get creative and make your signature blend!

Preparing the seasoning

If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different combinations of spices to find your perfect flavour profile. For example, you could try using Cajun seasoning, BBQ rubs, or lemon pepper for a fun twist. You could also try making a roasted garlic butter by combining roasted garlic with butter for extra caramelised, roasted garlic flavour. Or, if you're short on time, you can simply use your favourite poultry seasoning as a substitute for the spices.

Once you've made your seasoning, it's time to apply it to the turkey legs. Remove the legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. Then, spread the seasoning mixture over the legs, making sure to coat them evenly and get under the skin as well. Be careful not to tear the skin while doing this.

And that's it! You've now successfully prepared the seasoning for your turkey legs. The next step is to preheat your air fryer and cook those delicious, juicy legs.

Applying the seasoning

Firstly, you will need to create your seasoning mix. For this recipe, we will be using a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add in some chili powder for an extra kick. If you're feeling creative, feel free to experiment with other spices like rosemary, thyme, or even a premade poultry seasoning mix.

Once you have gathered your spices, combine them in a small bowl and mix well. You can also add some softened butter to this mixture for extra crispy skin. If you're using butter, make sure it's softened so that it blends easily with the spices.

Now it's time to apply the rub! Remove your turkey legs from their packaging and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is important as it ensures that the seasoning adheres well to the meat. Spread the spice mixture evenly over the turkey legs, making sure to coat all sides and get under the skin as well. Be careful not to tear the skin while doing this.

If you want to get creative, you can try different methods of applying the seasoning. Some people like to brush the seasoning on with a pastry brush, while others prefer to spray the turkey legs with olive oil first and then coat them with the spice rub. You can even try mixing the spices with melted butter to create a juicy, flavourful turkey leg.

After the seasoning is applied, let the turkey legs sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to truly sink in. Then, they will be ready for the air fryer!

Cooking the legs

Now that you have your turkey legs and your air fryer ready, it's time to start cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook those delicious turkey legs:

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Legs

Remove the turkey legs from their packaging and place them on a plate or cutting board. Use paper towels to pat them dry as much as possible. This step is important as it helps ensure crispy skin. You can also choose to brine the turkey legs before cooking for extra juiciness, but it's not necessary. If you do brine, make sure to pat the legs dry before the next step.

Step 2: Make the Rub

In a small bowl, combine your chosen seasonings and mix well. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, rosemary, or even a poultry seasoning blend. Be creative and adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences!

Step 3: Apply the Rub

Take the seasoned butter rub or spice mixture and apply it generously to the turkey legs. Make sure to coat the entire leg evenly, getting under the skin as well. This step will infuse your turkey legs with flavour.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). However, adjust the temperature according to your air fryer's instructions and the size of your turkey legs.

Step 5: Place the Turkey Legs in the Air Fryer

Carefully place the seasoned turkey legs into the air fryer basket. Ensure they don't touch the top of the air fryer to prevent burning. Leave some space around each leg for proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and that sought-after crispiness. You may need to cook the legs in batches if your air fryer is on the smaller side.

Step 6: Cook the Turkey Legs

Close the air fryer and let the legs cook for the recommended time based on their size. For instance, smaller legs may need around 20 minutes per side, while larger legs may require up to 25-30 minutes per side. Remember to flip the legs halfway through for even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C) when inserted near the bone.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the turkey legs are cooked to your desired level of doneness, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Cover them loosely with foil and let them rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat.

Storing and reheating

Turkey legs are a delicious treat, but it's important to store and reheat them properly to retain moisture and flavor. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat your turkey legs to ensure they stay juicy and tasty.

Storing Turkey Legs:

• Refrigeration or freezing: You can store leftover turkey legs in the refrigerator or freezer. They will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator and up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Airtight container or resealable bag: Place the turkey legs in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to limit air exposure and prevent drying out.
• Wrapping: If freezing, wrap each turkey leg tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. This prevents freezer burn, which can negatively affect texture and taste.

Reheating Turkey Legs:

• Oven: The oven is the best method for reheating turkey legs as it provides even, gentle heat. Preheat your oven to 300-350°F. Place the turkey legs in a baking dish and add about 1/4 cup of chicken or turkey stock, broth, or gravy. Cover the dish tightly with foil. Heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the thickest part of the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Microwave: If you're short on time, the microwave can be used, but it may not yield as juicy of results. Place the turkey legs in a microwave-safe dish with a couple of tablespoons of broth or gravy. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes per pound. Flip the turkey legs midway through and check the internal temperature before serving.
• Air fryer: Set your air fryer to 350°F and lightly spray or coat the basket with oil. Reheat for 5-7 minutes or until the turkey legs are heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy skin.
• Grill: Prepare the grill for medium indirect heat. Clean the grates and oil them to prevent sticking. Place the turkey legs on the cool side of the grill, away from direct heat. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature, and move the legs directly over the heat for the last 1-2 minutes to add grill marks and crispy skin.
• Slow cooker: Place the turkey legs in the slow cooker with 1/2 cup of turkey broth, water, or wine. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-6 hours, then switch to WARM until ready to serve.

Frequently asked questions